In wake of study, local, state officials must at least review infrastructure requirements

State and local governments in Florida cannot continue to kick the can down the road when it comes to financing infrastructure — roads, bridges, schools, water systems and others — if they are to be ready for rapidly approaching demands, according to a new study.

The Florida section of the American Society of Civil Engineers recently released a report evaluating the condition of the state's infrastructure and found that in the four years since its previous evaluation, most conditions have deteriorated.

Eric Czerniejewski, executive director and chairman of the 2012 report card committee, said in a news release, "As a state, we have fallen behind in building a modern infrastructure system that will be sustainable in a post-recession economy."

Grades and some comments from the report are as follow:

Aviation, B-minus: Forecasted capacity needs over the next five years (new runways, terminal and baggage system expansions) will require long-term commitments from a healthy funding stream.

Energy, D:Compared to other states of similar gross domestic product, Florida lags behind funding of clean technology products. Carbon dioxide production was given a failing grade. The price of natural gas and availability of renewable energy sources is considered poor.

Flood control, D-plus:About $750 million is needed over 10 years. The condition and capacity components of lakes and storage facilities are considered poor or failing.

Highways, C:Current revenue sources are not sufficient to fund long-term transportation needs. Due to budget restraints, the state highway trust fund has been diminished to provide funding for nontransportation purposes.

Ports, C: The state's port infrastructure was graded in light of the anticipated expansion of the Panama Canal and the corresponding competition from other neighboring state priorities.

Schools, D-plus:The estimated cost of fulfilling state constitutional amendments for high-quality public education and class size limitations has risen to $3 billion per year. The state budget appropriation of $650 million falls short of the necessary funding.

Stormwater, C:Municipalities and water management districts in coastal areas must provide improvements that deal with sea level rise.

Transit, C:Transit ridership has decreased since 2008. Availability has decreased slightly and funding has been reduced.

Water and sewer, C: Many areas are running low on freshwater supplies; the need for alternative water supply options is critical.

In recent years, governments on the Treasure Coast have invested in transportation, beach renourishment and stormwater improvements. Indian River County is engaged in a years-long project to widen Oslo Road, and it just opened an elementary school. Some communities, though, have shirked responsibilities. The city of Fort Pierce, for example, has failed to budget sufficiently for repaving of city-maintained streets.

The civil engineers who released the report card have a financial interest in government funding for infrastructure projects and, therefore, the report may express some bias. Regardless, the also are experts in the field, so their conclusions need to be considered.

Local and state government must create funding and construction strategies. Costs associated with upgrading systems are unlikely to become less expensive. Tough decisions must be made for the ultimate public good.